Ramp Up Marathon County works to
help lower-income Marathon County residents who have mobility issues remain in
their own homes by donating time to design, plan and build wheelchair ramps and
low-rise long-tread steps, as well as raise the money to cover the cost of
materials. There is no cost to the recipient.
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| Jerry Evans, Ramp Up Marathon County volunteer. |
“I saw a need for it and I wanted something to do with my
hands,” said Evans. “I am a hands-on person and I’ve always been into building.
I am kind of a rough carpenter at heart.”
Jerry has been working on Ramp Up building projects since
their first ramp project in 2015. He said he does whatever jobs need to be done
at the site, including assisting more experienced carpenters with the intricate
parts of the project if needed.
Evans said that the biggest reason he volunteers with Ramp
Up is because it’s a good crew. “Everybody knows what they’re doing,” he
related. “And if a new person comes on they’re very eager to help them out and teach
them. I feel very comfortable with them.”
But it’s not just about work. Jerry also enjoys the lunch
breaks when the crew has a chance to get away from the buzz of the saws and get
to know each other better. He’s always been a people person, and enjoys working
interesting people – including the other Ramp Up volunteers.
Evans feels that most of the ramp recipients didn’t realize
they could get a ramp or specialized stairs built until someone told them about
Ramp Up. And he’s happy to help because having a ramp or specialized stairs makes
it so much easier for the recipient to get in and out of their home, and stay
connected with community.
“When you’re helping make someone’s life better everybody
wins,” stated Evans. “The caregivers and recipients are happy. And the
volunteers feel good about helping.”
Jerry Evans also volunteers at his church and the Aging and
Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin.
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| A Ramp Up Marathon County ramp recipient enjoys the view from his new ramp. |
